SB733 the “Louisiana Science Education Act” passed the House Education Committee yesterday. The article in the Baton Rouge Advocate noted that there was standing room only – quite unusual – indicating how controversial this bill is.
As for the bill itself,
SB733 would allow science teachers to use supplemental material “that promotes critical thinking skills, logical analysis and open and objective discussion of scientific theories being studied, but not limited to, evolution, the origins of life, global warming and human cloning.”
The fact that the bill specifically mentions “evolution, origins of life, global warming and human cloning” – why not… well… a host of other issues? – alone suggests what the motives are for the bill. On what issues do conservative evangelical Christians (also known as the Religious Right although that is not my favorite appellation) have particularly strong views?
Evolution. How life began. Global warming (less so – many evangelicals accept the idea). Human cloning.
Evolution – wrong. How life began – God. Global warming – wrong. Human cloning – bad.
Indeed,
The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted earlier this month to back the bill only if it is stripped of references to evolution, the origins of life and other specific classroom examples.
Because they recognize the significance of the specific examples mentioned in the bill. I admit I am surprised they are willing to back this bill at all (albeit only if stripped as above).
One scientist spoke in support of the bill – from Louisiana College. Which is now controlled by fundamentalists. No surprise.
Hordes of biologists – from Southern University and Louisiana State University and… – spoke against it. “There is no need for this bill”. Indeed – why do we need this bill?
Now granted people might become concerned about what “supplemental material” teachers might use. The latest video from an Intelligent Design or creationist group? Ah – but,
Nevers went along with an amendment by House Education Committee Chairman Don Trahan, R-Lafayette. It would allow the state’s top school board to prohibit supplemental materials used by science teachers.
So there is some check on what “supplemental materials” (of a highly religious nature) might get used. After somebody makes my child watch some creationist video the school board – weeks? months? later – eventually says “hey you can’t show that”. Oh – and while we are at it politicizing the state school board.
One last thing. Sen Evers D-Bogalusa who sponsored (authored?) the bill attempted to counter concerns about a possible hidden agenda.
State Sen. Ben Nevers, D-Bogalusa and sponsor of the bill, repeatedly denied that his proposal was a bid to inject biblical teachings into public schools.
“This bill is about science education, period,” Nevers told the committee. “There is no hidden agenda.”
Nevers said, “It does not promote religion in any fashion.”
When I first read this I thought, “Okay. Perhaps this bill is not so odious. But I will hold you to that”. But on second thought… is it not so that many creationists and Intelligent Design advocates would say that these views are indeed “scientific”? It is possible that Nevers and others who support the bill do indeed have conservative “evangelical” (however one defines that term) Christian views in mind – but they do not regard those views as “religion” but simply the logical outcome(s) of scientific inquiry.
So… I am not reassured.*
*Especially since – upon further research – it turns out Sen Nevers has stated clearly to the press that (a) the Louisiana Family Forum is behind this bill and (b) it means introducing evidence for the “creationist” view.
See “Bill Allows Teaching Creationism as Science” in the Hammond Star.
“They believe that scientific data related to creationism should be discussed when dealing with Darwin’s theory. This would allow the discussion of scientific facts,” Nevers said. “I feel the students should know there are weaknesses and strengths in both scientific arguments.”
Why do I care about this?
Because I care about (intellectual) honesty. And fairness. And not using the power of the State to advance the supposed mission of the Christian church.
